What are the features that you're looking for in the case? What size (mid-tower, mini-tower etc.), expandability (number of drive bays)? Is low noise a big concern? What about cosmetics (ie. lighting, glass windows, colour, etc.)?As for the power supply, between 350W and 500W should be fine for that system. This assumes you won't use that PSU for a larger system at a later time. Do you care about modular cabling?Finally, what is the budget number that you're looking at? I could make suggestions of anything between $60 for a combo case & PSU all the way up to $150 for each. The lower cost you go, the more features you give up, so give a ball park figure so we know where to start suggesting.

It's the Zalman Z7 Plus. I spent ages thinking whether I should get this or the tried and tested Antec 300 that was the same price. I finally settled on this because it's a little larger inside than the Antec, has more fans included as standard (and really quiet Zalman 120mm ones at that), and has that really nifty fan controller too, built into the side pannel. It's also got an anti-vibration base, hard drive mounts and motherboard stand-off's. I paid £44 for it - I would imagine you can get it for a price price your end just by swapping the £ for a $ symbol (Rather annoyingly!!!). It is a LOT of case for very little outlay.

Speciffically, the Corsair HX520 Modular PSU. I use the 620W version of this, and it's been brilliant (as far as PSU's go). It's very quiet, has excellent efficiency and is able to keep voltages on each 12V rail perfectly steady. Finally, being modular (You really dont want to save the extra £8 to get the non-modular version of this) means there is no cable clutter - And loads of un-necessary floppy drive and molex connectors hanging around.

It's 520W output will handle your build, with room for expansion down the line and being able to supply enough juice for overclocking. I don't quite agree with axeman on the PSU front though. For me, this is a part of your system where you really should not "cheap out". You will want a good quality PSU (Also consider Antec, Be Quiet!, Seasonic, OCZ, Zalman), that has solid parts and won't expire in a cloud of smoke - It's the only part that gives your PC it's power and regulates the voltages. If it fails, it could take some of your system componants with it. I picked up the HX620 for £71, so I expect the 520W version will be a touch cheaper.

You're buying into the "you need an uber PSU" nonsense. You just need one of decent quality. Even if he overclocks the snot out of that rig, it will never draw anywhere close to 520 watts.

Im sure many will agree, but I have had system cases in the past that come with PSU's included from companies names I could never pronounce. I used to think they were ok - Until one years back went a little wrong and cooked my old P4 3.4Ghz Prescott CPU (Some might say that was a blessing - It was a S478 Toaster!!!). As a result, I have only ever bought CPU's from brands that are known, and get good reviews.

I dont think the Corsair HX range is in the "Uber PSU" class - It's priced in the mid-range, as are it's features. Corsair have a top range above the HX, and other companies like Seasonic and Be Quiet! really are in another league when it comes to prices - But I don't know what the OP is prepaired to spend. For me, the £60 (You can prolly get them for $60-70 over that side of the pond) is not a lot for a system part that could last a few upgrade cycles, and has proven reliability and low failure rates.

I'm also sure many will agree with my view! Think we should agree to disagree

Thanks for all the input guys!I went with the Antec case and the Cosair 420W PS suggested earlier because they are relatively in my budget, and the 420W should be fine for the computer.One question though, does the case come with a CD-Rom reader, or do I have to buy one separably? If so, could someone suggest a decent one?

Thanks for all the input guys!I went with the Antec case and the Cosair 420W PS suggested earlier because they are relatively in my budget, and the 420W should be fine for the computer.One question though, does the case come with a CD-Rom reader, or do I have to buy one separably? If so, could someone suggest a decent one?

Cases very rarely include them, and that Antec one does not. You'll want a DVD-RW these days, or if you can stretch to it a Blu-Ray ROM. Sony, LG, Lite-On and Samsung pretty much make up 99% of all internal optical drives on the market, and none of them are particularly bad. Just make sure it's an SATA one.

You can probably get them for similar prices over there with a $ symbol in front if you shop around. The £30 upgrade to get Blu-Ray might be worth it if you think you will use it, otherwise save the extra for another day...

Last edited by geekl33tgamer on Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thanks for all the input guys!I went with the Antec case and the Cosair 420W PS suggested earlier because they are relatively in my budget, and the 420W should be fine for the computer.One question though, does the case come with a CD-Rom reader, or do I have to buy one separably? If so, could someone suggest a decent one?

Instead of just reading the Econobox alternatives page, read the "main" Econobox page it has all the suggestions that you need (except OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse - those are on another page of the guide). I think the Antec 300 and EarthWatts 380W are excellent choices.

The Model M is not for the faint of heart. You either like them or hate them.

Thanks for all the input guys!I went with the Antec case and the Cosair 420W PS suggested earlier because they are relatively in my budget, and the 420W should be fine for the computer.One question though, does the case come with a CD-Rom reader, or do I have to buy one separably? If so, could someone suggest a decent one?

Instead of just reading the Econobox alternatives page, read the "main" Econobox page it has all the suggestions that you need (except OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse - those are on another page of the guide). I think the Antec 300 and EarthWatts 380W are excellent choices.

I'm still going with the 420W, since on newegg.ca (I live in Canada) the EarthWatts 380W costs 59.99, where as the Cosair 420W is $49.94

axeman wrote:

DVD-RW drives have become pretty much commodity items, I'd buy whichever one was on sale usually. The technology is mature, in that there isn't much change in the technology in a few years now, unless you're going BD, that's a different story. Out of curiosity, I was checking the specs on an old IDE drive I'm using in one system, it's shocking how little has changed in the last 5 years, so if you're really cheap like me, if you can scavenge an old one, do that, although you probably don't want IDE

Thanks for all the input guys!I went with the Antec case and the Cosair 420W PS suggested earlier because they are relatively in my budget, and the 420W should be fine for the computer.One question though, does the case come with a CD-Rom reader, or do I have to buy one separably? If so, could someone suggest a decent one?

Instead of just reading the Econobox alternatives page, read the "main" Econobox page it has all the suggestions that you need (except OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse - those are on another page of the guide). I think the Antec 300 and EarthWatts 380W are excellent choices.

I'm still going with the 420W, since on newegg.ca (I live in Canada) the EarthWatts 380W costs 59.99, where as the Cosair 420W is $49.94

I would think a bit more about the choice of the Corsair CX430 unit (seems to match your description closest):- Newegg.ca is not the only place you can shop in Canada. I find that often times it is overcharging.- The CX430 outputs the same 12V amps as the EarthWatts Green 380W! It is also not 80+ certified. Seems like Corsair really cheaps out on this one.- "Only" 2 years warranty.- There are enough negative reviews on newegg that should give you some cause for concern.

If your budget is not as tight, then I would suggest the 430W EarthWatts for more 12V peace of mind. Of course, I would not try to cheap out too much on the PSU myself.

The Model M is not for the faint of heart. You either like them or hate them.

I would think a bit more about the choice of the Corsair CX430 unit (seems to match your description closest):- Newegg.ca is not the only place you can shop in Canada. I find that often times it is overcharging.

It's a decent enough cheapy PS. Picked one up on sale (came out to US $18AR, $38 shipped) a week or so ago for a family member's HP Pavilion (the HiPro PS it came with fried completely).

I would think a bit more about the choice of the Corsair CX430 unit (seems to match your description closest):- Newegg.ca is not the only place you can shop in Canada. I find that often times it is overcharging.

It's a decent enough cheapy PS. Picked one up on sale (came out to US $18AR, $38 shipped) a week or so ago for a family member's HP Pavilion (the HiPro PS it came with fried completely).